What Is A Pipe Nipple?

What Is A Pipe Nipple?

steel pipe nipple

The pipe nipple is a short pipe with external threads, also known as male threads, on both ends or sometimes just on one end, designed to connect two pipes or fittings. They can have matching or different types of threads, such as NPT on one end and BSP on the other. Pipe nipples are commonly used for low-pressure discharge and suction of various liquids but do not include gases like air, nitrogen, or steam. Hebei Sanvo is a Chinese manufacturer, and we can produce and supply a variety of pipe nipples.

1. Types of Pipe Nipples

Two methods can classify pipe nipples.

According to the material can be divided into:

  • Carbon nipple

Carbon steel nipples usually include galvanized and black steel nipples. These components are often used in plumbing and various piping applications to connect two other pipes or fittings, offering a reliable and durable solution for fluid transfer.

The galvanization process, which involves coating steel with a layer of zinc, provides enhanced corrosion resistance, making these nipples ideal for use in environments prone to moisture and chemical exposure.

Black nipple/iron pipe nipple is often from malleable iron. The outer surface is coated with a black oxide finish, resistant to corrosion and wear, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor installations.

  • Stainless nipple

The smooth surface of stainless steel helps reduce friction. When choosing the befitting stainless steel grade for your pipe nipples, it is crucial to consider factors such as the specific environment, pressure ratings, and temperature variations. Common grades like 304 and 316 are popular due to their excellent mechanical properties and oxidation resistance.

It depends on the product design, which can be divided into:

  • Welding nipple

It has one end threaded and one end welded. Typically crafted from durable materials like stainless steel or carbon steel, these nipples are often in high-pressure applications. In industrial settings, the use of welding nipples is prevalent in oil and gas pipelines, chemical plants, and various manufacturing sectors

  • Seamless pipe nipple

In addition to their practical applications in plumbing, seamless pipe nipples are also commonly used in oil and gas industries, chemical processing plants, and HVAC systems.

The length of the nipple is typically by the total length of its threaded portion. Pipe nipples may have:

  • Reducer (unequal) nipples

These fittings connect pipes with differing diameters, ensuring a seamless flow while maintaining pressure integrity. With different-sized ends and threads used on nipples are BSP, BSPT, NPT, NPSM, and Metric.

  • Barrel nipples

Barrel nipples are straight pipe sections that are used in various plumbing and piping applications as connectors between two threaded parts, also known as pipe nipples. This base type is a short pipe with threads at both ends and a smooth, unthreaded middle section for connecting pipes of the same diameter.

barrel nipplebarrel nipple

  • Hex Nipples

With a hexagonal section in the middle for wrench use, constructed from robust materials, hex nipples ensure a dependable means of linking two sections of pipe, providing a secure seal that resists leaks and endures high pressure. Features a hexagonal section in the center, allowing easy tightening or loosening with a wrench.

hex nipplehex nipple

  • Close Nipple / Running Nipple

They with full-body threads, enabling a close connection between two fittings screwed tightly between two female fittings, very short of the nipple remains exposed. An internal pipe wrench prevents thread damage.

close nippleclose nipple

  • Hose Nipple

There is a special style of pipe nipple called a hose nipple for connecting threaded pipes and smooth hoses. One end of the nipple has an external thread, while the other is a hose barb. The hose barb size can match the pipe connection size or reduce properly.

hose nipplehose nipple

  • Flange nipple

A combination of a nipple and flange, Its design features a raised flange on one or both ends, which allows for a secure and leak-proof connection when bolted to a matching flange.

2. Supply Range for Pipe Nipples

The working pressure of pipe nipples will vary with the size and construction of the pipe, the type and number of clamps used, clamp placement, correct clamp installation, temperature, and the product being conveyed. Pipe nipples are available in the widest variety of wall thicknesses and materials.

  • Material

Carbon steel, Stainless steel

  • Standards

ASTM A733, DIN2982, BS EN10241

  • Dimensions

1/8"-8" (DN6-DN150)

  • Finishes

Black or galvanized

3. Pipe Nipple Applicationsgalvanized pipe nipple

Pipe nipples are essential in industries like:
Chemical processing
Petrochemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Food & beverage
Shipbuilding
Waste incineration
Machine building
Architecture
Semiconductor Manufacturing

4. Pipe Nipple Standards

Hebei Sanvo exports various standards of steel pipe nipples, including carbon steel pipe nipples, stainless steel pipe nipples, welded pipe nipples, seamless pipe nipples, American standard steel pipe nipples, German standard steel pipe nipples, British standard steel pipe nipples, etc.

  • ASTM A733 Standard

Carbon Steel Pipe Nipple

      Material: ASTM A53/A106  

      Thread: ANSI/ASME B 1.20.1  

Stainless Steel Pipe Nipple

      Material: ASTM A312 (304/316); welded or seamless  

      Thread: ANSI/ASME B 1.20.1  

  • DIN2982, BS EN10241 Standards

DIN2982

      Material: DIN2441 or DIN2440 seamless/welded pipe  

      Thread: DIN259; DIN2999  

BS EN10241

      Material: BS1387 seamless or welded pipe  

      Thread: ISO 7/1 or BS 21  

5. Dimension Standards

The pipe nipple has different dimension standards according to different thread manufacturing standards. Different thread types. The most commonly used types are NPT threads and BSP Threads. NPT is an American standard for tapered threads, whereas BSP is a British standard for threads. The BSP thread includes two types: the tapered BSPT and the parallel BSPP.

  • NPT Pipe Nipple Dimension Standard

NPT Pipe Nipple Dimension Standard

  • BSP Pipe Nipple Dimension Standard

BSP Pipe Nipple Dimension Standard

6. Material Grades of Steel Pipe Nipples

Pipe nipples by Hebei Sanvo have high-quality materials:

  • Carbon Steel

ASTM A105, ASTM A53 GR. A & B, API 5L GR. B

  • Stainless Steel

ASTM A182 (304, 316), ASTM A312/A403 (TP304, TP316)


Hebei Sanvo Pipes And Fittings Co., Ltd. is in Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, China. It was engaged in producing and researching pipe nipple, pipe coupling, and stainless steel pipe fittings in 1997. We always insist on survival by quality and development by reputation. After years of unremitting efforts, we have become a top pipe fittings company. Our products are widely in gas, oil and gas, water, fire, HVAC, mines, petroleum, and other fluid transportation. So, if you are interested in pipe nipples or other threaded pipe fittings, contact info@pipenipples.com for more information.

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